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The Michigan Wolverines greatest running backs

By Ash Thompson

Michigan's Mike Hart (20) runs the ball past the Nebraska defense during the 2005 MasterCard Alamo Bowl game game between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, December 28, 2005, at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas. Nebraska won 32 - 28. (Photo by Darren Abate/Getty Images)
Michigan's Mike Hart (20) runs the ball past the Nebraska defense during the 2005 MasterCard Alamo Bowl game game between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, December 28, 2005, at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas. Nebraska won 32 - 28. (Photo by Darren Abate/Getty Images) /
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7 Nov 1992: MICHIGAN RUNNING TYRONE WHEATLEY BACK LEAPS OVER THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE DURING THE WOLVERINES GAME AT THE NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS IN EVANSTON, ILLINOIS.
7 Nov 1992: MICHIGAN RUNNING TYRONE WHEATLEY BACK LEAPS OVER THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE DURING THE WOLVERINES GAME AT THE NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS IN EVANSTON, ILLINOIS. /

Tyrone Wheatley

Tyrone Wheatley came from Inkster, Michigan, and played his high school ball for Dearborn Heights Robichaud. His father died violently when Wheatley was just two years old. His stepfather followed 11 years later. It is understandable that his mother had some demons to deal with. Wheatley moved in with his Aunt a short time later. He stepped into a leadership role within his family and excelled in both football and track in high school.

From 1991 to 1994, Wheatley owned the number 6 in college football. Off the field, he was always on time for classes, practice and meetings. He even babysat for the coaching staff. On the field, Wheatley was a force. He ended his career second all-time in rushing for the Wolverines, and first in rushing touchdowns. He earned three consecutive All-Big Ten selections. Wheatley had set a new school touchdown record by the end of his junior year. His senior season was injury plagued and disappointing but he still went seventh overall to the New York Giants.

Wheatley’s early professional career was a disappointment. He was injured during the first sprint of his rookie training camp and never got out of head coach Dan Reeves‘ dog house. Wheatley did not have his first career 100 yard game until the 1997 season under new head coach Jim Fassel. He would not rush for 1000 yards until 1999 season, for the Oakland Raiders under Jon Gruden. He retired as the seventh-leading rusher in Oakland Raiders history. Injuries mounted up, and he retired in 2005.

After his playing career, Wheatley returned to Ann Arbor as a track coach while he finished his degree in sports management. Wheatley has spent time coaching football at both the NCAA and NFL levels: including stints with Eastern Michigan University, Syracuse University, the University of Michigan, and the Buffalo Bills. He is currently the running backs coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His son, Tyrone Wheatley junior is a tight end for the Wolverines.

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